Page 47 of Unleashed

“I don’t think so.” I move closer, drawn in by the sudden flash of vulnerability that skates over her features. “I think you had something very specific in mind.” Slowly, I lower to the couch, settling onto the comfortable cushions as I hold her gaze. “I want to know what problems you’re having.”

“I’m not having any problems.” She turns away, eyes going back to the television. “Everything is fine.”

I look around her home, taking in the space. Everything certainly appears to be fine. She has a comfortable place to live. Plenty of food in the refrigerator. A good job. Health insurance. A reliable vehicle. But if everything is as fine as she claims, then what was she talking about earlier?

My eyes settle on Zara’s door.

Maybe Maren wasn’t thinking of the way things are, but the way they used to be. About all she went through becoming a single mom with zero warning. No time to plan, no room to prepare.

I can’t imagine what that was like. How difficult it would be on someone my age now, let alone the age Maren would have been when it happened.

It makes where she is now even more impressive. It shows an amount of determination I don’t find in many people. A kind of grit very few individuals possess.

And it makes me feel even worse about my attempt to block her hiring.

Reaching up to loosen the tie at my neck, I try to find a little more room to breathe as I brace to do something I don’t normally do. Apologize.

“I’m sorry I tried to keep you from being hired.”

“You should be.” Maren doesn’t hold back. “I was freaking amazing at running that supply room. There was no reason for you to be a dick about me becoming a permanent employee.”

I give my tie another tug, hoping more space will make the truth easier to admit. “There was a reason.”

Maren’s eyes come my way, her brows lifted. “Are you serious?” She sits taller, her feet hitting the floor. “Because you know damn well⁠—”

I hold up one hand, trying to slow her roll. “Calm down.”

Maren’s eyes open wide. “Did you just tell me to calm down?” She grabs a fistful of fruit from the bowl, winding it up.

I try to block what I know is coming. “You better fucking no⁠—”

A collection of melon, strawberry, and grape hits me square in the face, bouncing off my jaw and nose before tumbling down the front of my suit.

I pull in a deep breath, blowing it back out as I close my eyes, digging deep to find any amount of patience I might possess.

I’m not sure it exists, but if it does, I’ll find it.

When I know I’m not going to have a knee-jerk reaction, I bring one hand up to wipe the juice from my eyes before lifting my lids to find Maren locked and loaded for another round.

I’ve got about a half second before I get another faceful, so I say the only thing that might save me. “I knew I wouldn’t be able to stay away from you.” I brace, just in case I’m wrong and nothing will keep her from launching another scoop.

Maren blinks at me. “What?”

I don’t want to have to say it again. I’d actually love it if we could both forget I said anything at all.

But I don’t see that happening.

“Maren? I’m hungry.” Zara’s little voice interrupts at the perfect time, taking her from being Maren’s little sister to my new best friend.

I turn to find her slowly making her way down the hall, steps unsteady but careful as she uses one hand to balance against the wall. Her eyes widen when she sees me, head tipping as she takes me in. “Why does he have fruit everywhere?”

“Because he’s an idiot.”

Maren stands, carrying the bowl into the kitchen before offering Zara a hand so it’s easier for her to stay balanced. It’s clear Maren is attempting to direct her toward the table and chairs, but Zara isn’t having any of it. Instead of covering the short distance to the spot where they likely enjoy their meals, she comes straight for me, smiling wide.

“My name is Zara. What’s yours?”

I meet Maren’s gaze, trying to gauge what she wants me to do here. I don’t want to be a dick to her sister, but if she genuinely doesn’t want Zara to be around me, I have to respect that.